Push To "Ban The Box" At New Castle County Council This Week

(WDEL) Tom Lehman reports (with video) ~ Groups call on New Castle County to "Ban the Box"

Near the end Tuesday night's county council meeting, members of Americans for Democratic Action and the ACLU told New Castle County Council spoke about the issue during public comment. "Recidivism is in issue here in this state, with 76 percent of offenders in three years of leaving prison being recommitted, reconvicted and being sent back to jail," said Mike Matthews, president-elect of Americans for Democratic Action in Delaware Matthews, who is also an elementary teacher in Red Clay School District, said he has spoken with many employers who avoid hiring those who have indicated on applications that they have prior convictions.

Three council members said during the meeting that they would be in favor of the measure. "It's just another impediment and I believe we need to get rid of all the impediments that prevent people from being productive citizens," said County Councilman Penrose Hollins (D-Wilmington North). Councilman Dave Tackett and Council President Chris Bullock also indicated they would also be supportive.........Hollins said safegaurds would still be in place for those applying to county jobs that involve kids. "You're still going to do the background check to ensure that they're safety for the youth and people they may be coming in contact with because of their responsibilities," he said.

The City of Wilmington "banned the box" on applications for non-uniformed employees last year, through an executive order by Mayor Baker.

Read more about it at the Delaware Americans for Democratic Action website: 
http://delawareada.org/advocacy/ban-the-box

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